Phospho-TCTP as a therapeutic target of Dihydroartemisinin for aggressive breast cancer cells

Upregulation of Translationally Controlled Tumor Protein (TCTP) is associated with poorly differentiated aggressive tumors, including breast cancer, but the underlying mechanism(s) are still debated. Here, we show that in breast cancer cell lines TCTP is primarily localized in the nucleus, mostly in the phosphorylated form.The effects of Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), an anti-malaria agent that binds TCTP, were tested on breast cancer cells. DHA decreases cell proliferation and induces apoptotic cell death by targeting the phosphorylated form of TCTP. Remarkably, DHA enhances the anti-tumor effects of Doxorubicin in triple negative breast cancer cells resulting in an increased level of apoptosis. DHA also synergizes with Trastuzumab, used to treat HER2/neu positive breast cancers, to induce apoptosis of tumor cells.Finally, we present new clinical data that nuclear phospho-TCTP overexpression in primary breast cancer tissue is associated with high histological grade, increase expression of Ki-67 and with ER-negative breast cancer subtypes. Notably, phospho-TCTP expression levels increase in trastuzumab-resistant breast tumors, suggesting a possible role of phospho-TCTP as a new prognostic marker.In conclusion, the anti-tumor effect of DHA in vitro with conventional chemotherapeutics suggests a novel therapeutic strategy and identifies phospho-TCTP as a new promising target for advanced breast cancer

A new automatic identification technique for OB associations in unresolved galaxies.

We present a new automatic technique based on Principal Component Analysis and Cluster Analysis, with the aim of its application to the identification of those clumps in unresolved galaxies which likely represent regions of star formation. We test the method by applying it to the galaxy M 31, for which there are already several sets of identifications of OB associations based on multi-colour images of resolved stars. We use small-scale digital images of M 31 and compare the associations that we detect from these unresolved data with previously-published large-scale data, finding a rather good agreement. We obtain a strict agreement of our identification with the most compact associations of the original van den Bergh (1964) identification. We then apply the technique to CCD images of the more distant spiral galaxy NGC 2903 and identify 68 OB association candidates

New Automatic Identification Technique for OB Associations in Unresolved Galaxies

We present a new automatic technique based on Principal Component Analysis and Cluster Analysis, with the aim of its application to the identification of those clumps in unresolved galaxies which likely represent regions of star formation. We test the method by applying it to the galaxy M~31, for which there are already several sets of identifications of OB associations based on multi--colour images of resolved stars. We use small--scale digital images of M~31 and compare the associations that we detect from these unresolved data with previously--published large--scale data, finding a rather good agreement. We obtain a strict agreement of our identification with the most compact associations of the original van den Bergh (1964) identification. We then apply the technique to CCD images of the more distant spiral galaxy NGC~2903 and identify 68 OB association candidates.Comment: 9 pages, 11 figures (available on request via fax or as post-script files), Tex in Astron. Astrophys. Suppl. Ser. forma

Properties and weathering of the stones used in the medioevale religious architecture in L'aquila (Italy).

A great number of medieval religious buildings of remarkable historic and artistic significance are located in the city centre of L'Aquila. A so high-density of buildings arises economical and methodological difficulties on their conservation. Objective of the paper is to identify and to characterize the stones used in the medieval religious architecture and to evaluate their state of conservation .The stones have been characterised using several techniques both in situ and in laboratory (Fiber Optics Microscopy , "pipette method", LM, SEM-EDS, XRD, MIP, AAS, mechanical and ultrasonic tests).A methodology based on rock decay, water absorption and macroscopic description, have been tested for the classification of the stone typologies. For the identification of the old quarries, historic documents, regional geologic maps, aerial photos, as well as field inspections, have been adopted.The characteristics of the stone sampled in the ancient quarries have been compared with those obtained from monuments, both have been pointed out with the same methodologies above mentioned. The quarries are located around the city centre (10-15 kilometres)and several have been identified inside the urban perimeter. "White or reddish" limestone have been classified in ten groups. The white ones have mechanical resistances lower than reddish stones (50-60Mpa with respect to 100Mpa). On the contrary the compactness as well as the workability is very high.The workability depends on the characteristics of the lithotype and its geological history. The stone decay is greater for the reddish limestone. This is due to the presence of clay and iron minerals finely dispersed and how the stone have been located building the architectonic elements (ashlars, column, etc.). In fact the reddish stone, which is macroscopic layered, has been used,in order to obtain a homogenous colour, with the stratigraphic plans parallel to the loads.Many quoted old quarries have been identified and new ones have been discovered. It has been so possible to carried out those destructive analyses, or collect new samples, with the goal to obtain a new characterization of the stone properties. These data, as well as the study of the decay forms, allow to plan properly conservative works

Public optimism towards nanomedicine

Previous benefit-risk perception studies and social experiences have clearly demonstrated that any emerging technology platform that ignores benefit-risk perception by citizens might jeopardize its public acceptability and further development. The aim of this survey was to investigate the Italian judgment on nanotechnology and which demographic and heuristic variables were most influential in shaping public perceptions of the benefits and risks of nanotechnology

ACP(1) genetic polymorphism and spermatic parameters in men with varicocele

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and its receptors (PDGFRs) play a key role in the regulation of the embryonic and postnatal development of male gonads. PDGF deficiency is associated with severe spermatogenic impairment. ACP(1) is a phosphoprotein tyrosine phosphatase that is able to dephosphorylate PDGFR, decreasing its activity as growth factor. The enzyme is polymorphic and shows strong differences in enzymatic activity among genotypes. At the Outpatient Department for Infertility, University of Rome La Sapienza, we investigated the effect of high-activity ACP(1) genotype on spermatic parameters in 105 subjects referred to for varicocele. ACP(1) genotype was determined by DNA analysis. In ACP(1) *B/*C genotype, which shows the highest enzymatic activity, spermatic concentration is significantly lower and atypical spermatozoa are significantly more frequent as compared to other ACP(1) genotypes. It is concluded that subjects carrying *B/*C genotype who represent about 10% of the population have a severe impairment of spermatic parameters in the presence of varicocele